Flock won't allow hen to eat

[Duckfarmer1]

I’m new to chickens and I baby my animals, but if you think it’s due to the molt then it’s temporary..I would probably feed her separate until she is full feathered...I’m probably way off...I’m sorry because I know how we worry about our animals

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I’m new to chickens and I baby my animals, but if you think it’s due to the molt then it’s temporary..I would probably feed her separate until she is full feathered...I’m probably way off...I’m sorry because I know how we worry about our animals

We actually built a play area for ours...it’s a fenced in area off the coop..and after the grass is trash we move it and they get new grass to play but safety too... our little chickens are free range right now but they grew up here and know to stay close and come when I call..and stay with the ducks..which they hated at first...lol

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wouldn't necessarily show favoritism. That may cause them to attack her when you aren't around.

It sounds like they don't free range and have a relatively small pen. If there was enough room, they wouldn't be able to keep her away from all feeders.

I have 7 chickens in 440 sq ft, with plenty of junk in the way and 4 feeders in the morning, and I have a pair of younger hens harassing an older one during breakfast despite all that. So sometimes I give the older lady a private breakfast in the brooder, other times I put one of the younger ones in there (one refuses to eat oyster shell so I mix some into her own bowl of mash), and it's just a lot more peaceful in the morning that way.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I have 7 chickens in 440 sq ft, with plenty of junk in the way and 4 feeders in the morning, and I have a pair of younger hens harassing an older one during breakfast despite all that. So sometimes I give the older lady a private breakfast in the brooder, other times I put one of the younger ones in there (one refuses to eat oyster shell so I mix some into her own bowl of mash), and it's just a lot more peaceful in the morning that way.

I'm trying to understand a couple things.
You call their feed breakfast. Don't you have feed available all waking hours?
And why do you mix oyster shell with feed? It should be free choice and they shouldn't have to consume it in order to eat food.

 

[pennyJo1960]

thinks she is saying will make sure that one eats at least 2 times a day

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I have 7 chickens in 440 sq ft, with plenty of junk in the way and 4 feeders in the morning, and I have a pair of younger hens harassing an older one during breakfast despite all that. So sometimes I give the older lady a private breakfast in the brooder, other times I put one of the younger ones in there (one refuses to eat oyster shell so I mix some into her own bowl of mash), and it's just a lot more peaceful in the morning that way.

I have a runt duck who needs extra food...and a hurt duck who needs extra vitamins hidden in treats...and ducklings who are learning to go in the big duck pen and need tons of coaxing with yummies...so, I think...for, temporary situation,,it all works out, like when your child is young and you might be getting him to try new veggies and you tell him he’ll get one gummy bear ( vitamin) for dessert...lol

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I'm trying to understand a couple things.
You call their feed breakfast. Don't you have feed available all waking hours?
And why do you mix oyster shell with feed? It should be free choice and they shouldn't have to consume it in order to eat food.

As I understand it..it’s preference...some do free choice...some do free range and then meal time...with my chickens it’s free choice..but ducks and goats are free range so I have set meal times for them

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm trying to understand a couple things.
You call their feed breakfast. Don't you have feed available all waking hours?
And why do you mix oyster shell with feed? It should be free choice and they shouldn't have to consume it in order to eat food.

I do not leave feed out overnight (brooded chicks being an exception) as we've had rodent issues before. So the chickens have to wait until I'm up to get fed. I offer fermented feed in bowls for breakfast and free feed dry pellets the remainder of the day.

I do not mix oyster shell with feed for the flock, however I have a specific layer with thin eggshells that does not want to eat oyster shell, so twice a week a mix in a little into her breakfast, and that has fixed her eggshell issues.

 

[Michplum]

I do not mix oyster shell with feed for the flock, however I have a specific layer with thin eggshells that does not want to eat oyster shell, so twice a week a mix in a little into her breakfast, and that has fixed her eggshell issues.[/QUOTE]

We have one with thin shells as well, and she also refuses oyster shells. I honestly never thought to mix it in anything, and now I feel like, "Duh!" ‍Lol!

 

[BarredRockMom]

I do not mix oyster shell with feed for the flock, however I have a specific layer with thin eggshells that does not want to eat oyster shell, so twice a week a mix in a little into her breakfast, and that has fixed her eggshell issues.

We have one with thin shells as well, and she also refuses oyster shells. I honestly never thought to mix it in anything, and now I feel like, "Duh!" ‍Lol![/QUOTE]

"Duh"...That makes me laugh because even after being on this site for several years, I will read something & have that same reaction!